Kilauea Eruption & Lava DOORS OFF Helicopter

In this article, we will be discussing our thrilling doors-off helicopter ride over the active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.

We were fortunate enough to experience this incredible adventure in early January, and we can't wait to share our journey with you. So, buckle up and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride!

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Our Experience:

When we heard that the volcano was erupting, we wasted no time and immediately booked a flight to the Big Island. We jumped on a flight on Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu (Airport code: HNL) to Hilo (Airport code: ITO).

Our main goal was to witness the mesmerizing lava flow up close!

Doors-Off Helicopter Ride

Our doors-off helicopter ride was with Paradise Helicopters, located at the Hilo airport on the Big Island. After a safety briefing, we eagerly boarded the helicopter and prepared for takeoff. We were advised to dress warmly and wear form-fitting clothing, as the flight can be quite windy. Unfortunately, I forgot my jacket, but luckily I was able to borrow one. The jacket is important because the wind can make it chilly during the flight.

As we took off, I couldn't contain my excitement. The doors-off flight provided us with unobstructed views and clear photos and videos. The ocean view from above was absolutely breathtaking, with vibrant turquoise and deep blue waters contrasting against the lush greenery.

Flying over the lava field was a humbling experience. The lava had completely transformed the landscape, leaving behind damaged trees and pockets of lava flow. We could even feel the heat from the volcano, despite being high up in the air. Our pilot did an amazing job maneuvering the helicopter, allowing everyone on board to capture stunning photos from different angles.

I must admit, I was a bit worried about motion sickness, as helicopter turns can sometimes cause nausea. However, the adrenaline of the doors-off flight and the fresh air circulating within the helicopter kept any motion sickness away.

The highlight of the flight was getting up close to the active volcano and witnessing the lava flow. The heat radiating from the lava was intense, and it truly made us realize the power of nature. The pilot ensured that everyone had a chance to capture incredible photos and videos of the lava from different angles.

Throughout the flight, I was amazed by the beauty and grandeur of the volcano and its impact on the surrounding landscape. It's one thing to see it in photos or videos, but experiencing it in person from a helicopter was truly awe-inspiring.

MORE Things to Do on Big Island

After the doors-off helicopter ride, we continued our adventure on the Big Island. We had a packed itinerary for the day, starting with a visit to Volcanoes National Park. We explored the lava fields and witnessed the dramatic changes caused by the volcanic activity.

Next, we visited two popular waterfalls on the island: Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls

Akaka Falls

These waterfalls are easily accessible and require minimal hiking. Akaka Falls is a fully paved trail, while Rainbow Falls is just a short walk from the parking area. Both waterfalls are stunning and definitely worth a visit.

Rainbow Falls

Conclusion

Our doors-off helicopter ride over the active volcano on the Big Island was an unforgettable experience. The up-close view of the lava flow, the heat radiating from the volcano, and the breathtaking scenery made it a truly humbling adventure. We highly recommend this exhilarating flight to anyone visiting the Big Island.

If you're interested in booking a doors-off helicopter ride or prefer a more comfortable doors-on flight, we've provided a link in the description box below. It's all a matter of personal preference and what you're looking to experience during your flight.

In the next part of our video series, we will share our complete itinerary for the day, including our visit to Volcanoes National Park and the waterfalls. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures on the Big Island!

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. We hope you enjoyed the video and that it inspired you to visit the Big Island and experience the doors-off helicopter ride for yourself. Until next time!

►What I Pack: Helicopter